Chicago – March 21, 2025
Florida’s controversial surgeon general, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, and a former Texas Republican congressman, Dr. Michael Burgess, are each being backed by some of President Trump’s allies to be the next head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The White House is searching for a replacement after the nomination of Dr. Dave Weldon, a former Florida congressman, was abruptly pulled last week.
White House officials have said internally that they are trying to “get it right” with their next pick, multiple administration officials said, seeking to address concerns about a prolonged vacancy at the agency or the prospect of another embarrassing about-face. Some potential contenders have also turned down offers for the role, federal health officials said.
The president’s pick will be the first CDC director to undergo the Senate confirmation process after a change passed by Congress in 2022.
Any nominee will face tough questions over a range of health threats now facing the agency, including a rise in measlescases driven by a record outbreak among undervaccinated communities in Texas and neighboring states.
